Arsenal transfer news as Folarin Balogun wants price lowered with West Ham United interested
Folarin Balogun has asked Arsenal to lower their asking price so he can complete a move away from the Emirates Stadium with West Ham interested, according to the Daily Mirror.
The newspaper reported on their website (3 August) that the American forward is unhappy with Arsenal’s decision to up his asking price by £10m, even after Inter Milan refused to pay the original £45m to secure his signature.
Balogun has long been a target of David Moyes and West Ham as they attempt to add more goals to their forward line, but a loan move is no longer possible with the former Stade Reims loanee unhappy with the thought of another temporary switch away from North London.
Discussing the USMNT forward’s future, Tom Beattie wrote: “Uncertainty continues to surround the future of Folarin Balogun at Arsenal, with the US international having asked the club to reduce his asking price.
“The North London giants seem to be open to a sale this summer, especially given Balogun’s obvious reluctance to go out on loan again. However, it appears that the striker is unhappy with the club’s decision to reportedly up his valuation by £10 million.
“David Moyes is also keeping a close eye on Balogun’s availability, with the player held in high regard at the London Stadium following his exploits in Ligue 1. Other Premier League clubs have enquired regarding Balogun’s services but none have made a move as of yet.”
Time to strike
West Ham have been very slow in the transfer market this summer, waiting for their time to strike on a deal that all parties can agree on and now could be the time for the Irons to leap into action and try and get their man.
Balogun’s unhappiness and constant conflict with the Gunners looks like it will ultimately lead to him departing North London this summer and the American forward has not only caught the eye of Moyes but also fits the younger style of player those above him at the London Stadium are after.
Last season the 22-year-old managed an incredible 21 goals and three assists in 37 Ligue 1 matches, a record that should have clubs all around Europe trying to sign him, but he remains down the pecking order at Arsenal and available for the right price.
Now he has still only really had one great season in his career, so a deal over £50m does feel a bit excessive. However, if the Irons can negotiate a fee closer to the original £40m asking price, they may finally get their hands on a genuine goal scorer.
In other West Ham news, one club is set to offer a player plus cash deal to sign Gianluca Scamacca this summer